Where Do Expats Really Thrive in 2025?

An IMGlobalWealth.com News Report

A fresh survey by InterNations – drawing on the responses of over 10,000 expatriates across 46 destinations – has revealed the countries that offer the most for those who live and work abroad. The Expat Insider 2025 report (as reported by CNBC among others) makes clear that cost, culture, and community increasingly tip the balance when choosing where to relocate.

Financial Comfort Meets Lifestyle

“Spain is the only European country to break into the top ten”

At the summit of the rankings is Panama, which retains its position as the top country for expats in 2025. The nation scores highly across multiple indices: “Ease of Settling In”, “Working Abroad” and “Expat Essentials” (covering housing, visas etc.) are all strong suits. Over a third of respondents (35%) are retired, and another similar proportion say they plan to stay indefinitely.

Not far behind is Colombia, which has seen a significant leap from fifth place in 2024 to second this year. Colombia scores particularly well in the Personal Finance index: 81% of expats report satisfaction with their financial situation – compared to 54% globally. Even more striking, 92% say their disposable household income is sufficient for a comfortable life (versus 69% in the global sample). Affordable housing and a warm welcome from locals also feature prominently.

🌍 Top 20 Expat Destinations in 2025

The InterNations Expat Insider 202 survey, based on responses from more than 10,000 expatriates worldwide, highlights the countries where life abroad offers the best mix of affordability, quality of life, and ease of settling in. Latin America and Asia dominate the top ranks, with Panama, Colombia, and Mexico leading the list.

Asia’s Value Proposition

Asia again features heavily among the top destinations. Vietnam, ranked fifth overall, dominates the Personal Finance index for the fifth consecutive year. Nearly nine in ten expats (89%) are content with cost of living; a similar share believe their disposable income suffices for comfort. However, despite its strengths, Vietnam scores less well in the Quality of Life domain, especially in areas such as healthcare infrastructure and environmental factors.

Other Asian countries in the top ten include Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia – each balancing affordability with lifestyle appeal and growing opportunity.

Other Standouts & Caveats

Notably, Spain is the only European country to break into the top ten, largely buoyed by its high quality of life, favourable climate, and strong “settling-in” ratings.

That said, the survey is not without its warnings: in Colombia, for example, concerns about safety and political stability persist. In Vietnam and elsewhere, certain public services, infrastructure or healthcare amenities lag behind what many expats hope for.

InterNations’ Expat Insider 2025 underscores a trend long gestating: that expatriates are placing increasing value on cost of living, disposable income, and the ease with which they can integrate. LATAM (Latin America) and parts of Asia are emerging as especially strong contenders, offering compelling combinations of financial value, cultural richness and lifestyle satisfaction. As InterNations’ data show, those wishing to move abroad would be wise to prioritise these attributes.